Community News

County Offices Closed Monday for Labor Day

Most Union County Government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. See schedule changes for the holiday.

Voter Registration Repair Effort

As part of a statewide effort to update their records, the State Board of Elections is sending letters to some registered voters throughout the state. The Union County Board of Elections wants to help ensure that local residents participate in this statewide effort, while also providing guidance for keeping your personal information safe and secure.

Please be careful in providing your personal information, and only give personal information to trusted authorities. If you are unsure of the authenticity of any communications you receive regarding this statewide effort, please contact the Union County Board of Elections by calling 704.283.3809 or by email at union.boe@unioncountync.gov. 

Residents can also check online to see if they have an incomplete voter registration. If required information is missing from your registration, please fill it out and mail back the information request form mailed to you. You can also provide the missing information in person at the Union County Board of Elections office in Monroe, or by entering it into the DMV’s online voter registration tool.

Read more about this effort on the state's website.

Get Ready for the 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Event 

Our annual Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13. In 2024, about 500 vehicles drove through the parking lot at the Union County Agricultural Center to dispose of nearly 40,000 pounds of household hazardous materials. While we expect a large turnout again this year, the line moves quickly - especially if all participants know what to expect.

Take a few minutes to watch this brief video to learn what types of materials will be accepted and how you can plan ahead for this free annual event.

Parks Superintendent Honored at State Level for Being a Local Hero

Union County Parks Superintendent Jared Steele has been recognized as a local hero through the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' (NCACC) Heroic Hands initiative. The program, launched earlier this year, celebrates the often-unseen yet deeply impactful work of county employees across the state. The initiative honors one individual in each county across North Carolina, recognizing local public servants who have made meaningful impacts in their community. Steele was honored alongside community leaders from across the state during the NCACC's 118th Annual Conference on August 21 in Pitt County. Read more about the recognition.

September is Library Card Sign Up Month

One card. Endless possibilities.

Discover the endless possibilities that you can explore with your Union County Lbrary card! Sign up for a card or renew during September at any of our locations and complete Library Card BINGO to enter for a chance to win a prize! Pop by one of our Possibilities Pop-Up events during September to learn more about the services and resources available to you with your library card.  Thurs., Sept. 4, 10 a.m. - noon Southwest Regional Library Wed., Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - noon Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Thurs., Sept. 18, 10 a.m. - noon Main Library Thurs., Sept. 25, 10 a.m. - noon Union West Regional Library At Union County Library, your library card is the key to endless possibilities. Stop by your nearest library location or visit uclnc.org to learn more today!

From Eagles to End-of-Summer Fun

This Labor Day marks the last weekend to enjoy the beach at Cane Creek Park, so be sure to stop by before the season ends. Miniature golf and pedal boats will remain open on weekends through October, pending staff availability.  

And in case you missed it, park visitors were recently treated to a truly unforgettable moment: the release of a rehabilitated juvenile bald eagle back into the wild at Cane Creek Park. After months of care, the eagle spread its wings once again thanks to the dedicated team at Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. On your next visit to Cane Creek Park, try to spot this beautiful eagle and other wildlife as you explore the trails. 

Healthy Living

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day

A Time to Remember. A Time to Act.

Each year, International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us about the importance to end overdose, reduce stigma, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. In North Carolina alone, more than 41,500 people lost their lives to overdose between 2000 and 2023.

Overdose doesn't discriminate; all drugs can cause an overdose, including those prescribed by a doctor. Yet the stigma surrounding substance use can discourage people from asking for help, and make it harder for families to talk about loss. Together, we can challenge shame with compassion, and replace judgment with support.

Know the Signs. Save a Life.

Different substances affect the body in different ways, and the signs of overdose can vary.

Learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose by downloading these factsheets (PDFs):

• Alcohol

• Crystal Methamphetamine

• Depressants

• New Psychoactive Substances

• Opioids

• Stimulants

Pick up naloxone, used to treat opioid overdoses, for free at Union County Human Services at 2330 Concord Ave. in Monroe between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Medication Safety Starts at Home

Lock up medications and keep them out of reach of children and teens.

Take inventory regularly and dispose of unused or expired medications.

To safely dispose of unneeded or expired medicines, visit any of these drop box locations or bring them with other materials for disposal at Union County's annual Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, Sept. 13. 

If You or Someone You Know is Struggling

You are not alone. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free, 24/7 support.

How Union County is Taking Action

Thanks to opioid settlement funding, Union County is investing in local programs that support prevention of opioid use, harm reduction and overdose response, and connection to care and recovery support. Visit Union County’s Opioid Settlement page or our Substance Overdose Prevention page to learn more about our efforts in increasing education and awareness. 

Community Events

Food Truck Friday at Museum of the Waxhaws

Enjoy vendors, kids zone, food trucks and more at Food Truck Friday at the Museum of the Waxhaws tonight, Friday, Aug. 29, 4-8 p.m.

Battle of Charlotte Reenactment at Museum of the Waxhaws

Step back in time this summer as the Museum of the Waxhaws brings the 18th century to life! Experience The Battle of Charlotte Reenactment & Living History Weekend—a powerful celebration of our region’s Revolutionary War legacy at the Museum of the Waxhaws on Aug. 30 and 31. This is a ticketed event; visit the museum's website to learn more about included activities.